The Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday approved legislation that would allow residents to obtain a digital version of their driver’s license or state-issued identification card, marking a step toward modernizing how identification can be accessed and displayed.
HB1, carried by Rep. Ontario Tillman, D-Bessemer, would require the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to offer an optional digital driver’s license or nondriver ID that would be issued alongside a physical card. The digital license would be accessible through an ALEA-approved application on a mobile device and would cost.
Rep. Matthew Hammett, R-Dozier, questioned whether ALEA currently has the technological capability to implement the program or if new systems would be required.
Tillman responded that ALEA is working toward that capability but acknowledged that additional technology would be needed. Hammett then pressed on cost, asking whether passage of the bill would require the agency to purchase new software. Tillman said it would and noted that while exact costs are not yet known, the bill includes language making implementation contingent on the availability of funds.
He also pointed to a $15 fee included in the bill to help offset expenses, explaining that the fee was designed to offset any additional funding to ALEA.
Hammett asked whether a digital license could be used at airports or other locations where identification is required. Tillman replied that the digital license would be usable in the same manner as a physical license.
Support for the bill came from lawmakers who argued it could simplify interactions during traffic stops. Rep. Travis Hendrix, D-Birmingham, a police officer, said that many drivers already rely on their phones in daily life.
“There has been several occasions on traffic stops where a lot of people do not have their license on them physically, but you know what they do have? They have that phone on them,” said Hendrix.
Hendrix added that allowing drivers to present a license on a mobile device could reduce tension and complications during routine law enforcement encounters, calling the proposal “a good bill.”
Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, raised concerns about whether private institutions would recognize a digital license without specific statutory language requiring acceptance and that, without clearer guidance, the state could run into unintended consequences.
“Some folks, if it’s not the physical handheld license, they won’t accept it, period,” said Givan. “I just think that may be something, as you circulate this upstairs, you’re going to run into a bump in the road with this bill,” said Givan.
The House first adopted a committee substitute that Tillman described as technical in nature and largely incorporating language requested by ALEA, including funding contingencies and clarifying terms. The substitute was adopted on a 93–3 vote.
The House then passed the bill as substituted by a 93–3 vote. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.
